Getting Keyed Up ( 73 GT)

Rather than go to the expense of a mobile locksmith I decided to remove the lock cylinders and take them in to obtain keys. I need a complete set, so the first step was removal of the glove box that was already hanging open. The ignition was next and the steering column cover came off easily. Removal of the ignition lock cylinder presented a problem because there was not clear way to remove the mechanism. After posting a quick question on the MG Experience forum I was cutting a slit for a screw driver into the bolts that hold the mechanism to the column. The bolts were then easily removed.The passenger door panel was removed with the goal of extracting the entry lock cylinder, but a retaining tab on the cylinder proved insurmountable due to poor access. The rear hatch lock would be much easier. While the door panel was off I coated the inside of the bottom of the door with Penetrol to inhibit further rust. The door internals on the '73 are in better condition than the '80 roadster!

Moving on the rear hatch I first removed the catch at the bottom of the body so the hatch will not lock when closed, then removed the retaining ring on the lock and the cylinder popped right out. This is a view of the inside of the lock showing the retaining ring that was backed off using a hammer and a small punch (the cover was previously removed).

Now I have everything I need to take to the locksmith.
'80 Roadster
I prepped the inside section of the inner sill on the '80 for rust paint by washing it with Marine Clean, then etching with Metal Ready. Two coats of POR-15 and it looks like new. Next up: fitting the inner membrane and plug welding it into place after applying some cavity wax and weld-through primer. More on that next week.